Keen Wolfe

Chunk plays are tough to come by against Denver. Not only is Denver’s linebacker corps fast and strong, but the defensive line might be the best in the league at holding ground against double teams. Derek Wolfe and Justin Bannan are terrific anchors near the B- and C-gaps. Further inside, Kevin Vickerson amplifies his 300-pound strength with very good initial quickness. The Chiefs have a lot of size up front, but don’t be surprised if they struggle getting movement in the ground game this week.

It seems as if it's not just Doc, TJ, and Tedwhothink that Derek Wolfe can play a little football.

Wolfe is under team control through the 2015 season. But Bannan, who will turn 34 next offseason, and Vickerson, who turns 30 on Jan. 8, will be unrestricted free agents after having accepted 2012 salaries that are fractions* of what they had originally agreed to with Denver.

Our thinking remains that the Broncos will use a high pick on a tackle come April; even if the team is happy with the performance of Bannan and Big Vick, it must account for the advancing age of the two players.

Ted considers the challenge of defending New England in a hypothetical playoff game, and thinks that the Broncos can have some success at it.

I wonder if Amazon sells a t-shirt of 3 Wolfes howling at the moon...

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-12-28 10:27:40

A high draft pick is a real possibility because of the age of Bannan and Vickerson and I would really like to see a player in the top 2 rounds at DT. However this D line especially at DT and strong side DE is young. Unrein, Wolfe, Jackson, Siliga. Given the way players are being brought on by this coaching staff it might not be seen quite as high a need as we all may think especially if they are able to get a younger vet in FA.

Posted by Steve Williams on 2012-12-28 02:59:13

I would say the Broncos should try to re-sign Vickerson to a short-term deal, but offer more guaranteed money in the first year of the deal. Bannan isn't as high of a priority but if he's willing to take another one-year deal at low cost, then bring him back.